Ever since I could walk, basketball was my life. I played it all year round and enjoyed every second. I played on an elite, national AAU basketball team and received a couple collegiate offers. So finally when it came time for varsity basketball, I was ready to play at that next level. When tryouts rolled around, it was all I could think of. Basketball consumed my thoughts. On the last day of tryouts, when I got called into a little white room for a one-on-one talk with my new head coach, all I could think about is what position I will be playing throughout the season. But when my basketball coach said, “You didn’t make this year’s girls basketball team,” I was in disbelief. He later stung me with the statement, “I thought you would be crying more,” which is when my emotions and thoughts changed. At first, my friends and family supported me as I faced a setback in my life. But then, as time went on, society went back to their daily routine, unaware of the thoughts going through my head. This experience changed me and how I look at every situation. It inspired me to think differently when adversity hits. Eventually, I tried new things like indoor lacrosse, skiing, became an officer in DECA, and continued to play AAU and intramural basketball. I trusted my Christian faith and realized He does have a plan and purpose for every individual. From November 19, 2012, I had two choices: to move on or dwell on the situation. I choose to change my thoughts and my perspective and plan for the future.…